Warhammer Wiki
Warhammer Wiki
Deathclaw

Karl Franz upon his mighty Griffon, Deathclaw.

Deathclaw is the loyal and personal mount of Emperor Karl Franz of the Empire and reputed to be the mightiest Griffon to have ever lived.[1a]

Quick Answers

What is the relationship between Emperor Karl Franz and Deathclaw? toggle section
Emperor Karl Franz shares a deep bond with Deathclaw, his loyal griffon mount. Karl Franz hatched and raised Deathclaw, who is considered the mightiest griffon ever. Frequently, Karl Franz rides Deathclaw into battle, showcasing their strong partnership.
Provided by: Fandom
How did Karl Franz come to raise Deathclaw? toggle section
Emperor Karl Franz raised Deathclaw, reputed as the mightiest Griffon, from an egg. The egg, potentially a gift from the Wood Elves, was retrieved from the Grey Mountains' highest peak. Karl Franz is believed to have hatched the egg himself. Deathclaw, noted for his honourable nature, frequently flies freely over Altdorf, the capital, returning to his cage at dusk.
Provided by: Fandom
What battles has Deathclaw fought in alongside Karl Franz? toggle section
Deathclaw, Emperor Karl Franz's Griffon, has participated in key battles. They spearheaded the Reiksguard Knights' charge against the Knights of Bretonnia at the Battle of Norduin in 2502 IC. In the Third Battle of Black Fire Pass, they engaged a berserking Giant, causing an injury to Deathclaw that necessitated a retreat.
Provided by: Fandom
Is there a Karl Franz miniature featuring Deathclaw? toggle section
Indeed, a miniature exists depicting Emperor Karl Franz riding his loyal Griffon, Deathclaw. This figure symbolizes Karl Franz, renowned as a great general, astride Deathclaw, the most formidable Griffon, which he nurtured from an egg.
Provided by: Fandom
What is the significance of Deathclaw in the Empire's seditious news-sheets? toggle section
Deathclaw, a Griffon raised by the Emperor, demonstrated a profound bond with his master during the Battle of Blood Keep. Deathclaw protected the injured Emperor for three hours, battling adversaries until the Reiksguard reached their Lord. This incident, likely featured in the Empire's seditious news-sheets, underscores Deathclaw's unwavering loyalty and courage.
Provided by: Fandom

History[]

It is said that Karl Franz himself hatched Deathclaw (a notion that was lewdly caricatured by the cartoonists of the Empire's seditious news-sheets)[3a], and certainly the Emperor was the one who raised the young Griffon.[1a]

Because of this, a powerful bond exists between the beast and its master, one forged in countless battles and many adventures. The Griffon is eternally loyal to his master. During the Battle of Blood Keep, Deathclaw stood over the prone form of the wounded Emperor for three hours, slaying any who came near until the Reiksguard could hack a path to their fallen Lord.[1a]

Due to the beast's honourable nature, Deathclaw frequently flies freely above the capital-city of Altdorf, returning dutifully to his cage come nightfall, much to the relief of the capital's citizenry.[1a]

Trivia[]

  • In 2503 IC, the Wood Elves retrieved a griffon egg from the highest peak of the Grey Mountains and gave it as a gift to Karl Franz.[2a] This may have been the egg from which Deathclaw was hatched.

Miniature[]

Sources[]

  • 1: Warhammer Armies: The Empire (8th Edition)
    • 1a: pg. 54
  • 2: Warhammer Armies: Wood Elves (8th Edition)
    • 2a: pg. 33
  • 3: Warhammer Fantasy RPG 4th ED -- Core Rulebook
    • 3a: pg. 321